SUMMIT COUNTY— More local families now have access to financial assistance for child care, thanks to an increase in the income eligibility limit for the Summit County Child Care Assistance Program (CCCAP). The Summit County Human Services Division, which administers the program, implemented the new eligibility range this month. CCCAP provides assistance with the cost of care either through a child care center or home care provider.

“Given the financial strains our community is facing right now with the high costs of housing and child care, we couldn’t be more excited about being able to provide this assistance to a greater number of local families,” County Commissioner Thomas Davidson said.

Summit County raised the income eligibility level from 175 percent of Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to 190 percent of FPL, effective Oct. 1. This increases the gross monthly income eligibility level for a family of four by about $300, to a pre-tax total of $3,847. The eligibility expansion became possible because of unanticipated CCCAP funding from the state.

CCCAP is one of several critical programs that offers child care assistance in Summit County. Head Start, Breckenridge Child Care Tuition Assistance, CATCH, and the Colorado Preschool programs are among those who work in collaboration with CCCAP to serve the child care needs of the county.

Currently, more than 70 families utilize CCCAP in Summit County. Summit County Human Services estimates that the eligibility increase will open the program up to about 15-20 additional local families.

“This increases the number of families who can access quality child care,” Summit County Economic Security Programs Manager Michael Whitaker said. “This can be a significant source of financial and emotional relief to families who are working hard to make ends meet, and it helps improve school readiness and other outcomes for young children in our community.”

Eligibility for the CCCAP program is based on income and household size, as well as participation in an eligible activity. For more information about CCCAP, including how to apply for CCCAP, visit www.summitcountyco.gov/326/Child-Care-Assistance , or call Human Services at 970-668-9160. Human Services is located in the Summit County Medical Office Building, 360 Peak One Dr., Ste. 230, Frisco.